Mad Dog Road Rules

1. Members should ride in a friendly and courteous manner, showing respect for other road users and refraining from altercations whenever possible.

2. Members are expected to offer assistance to fellow bikers in distress.

3. It is the responsibility of members to insure their capacity to ride is not impaired by alcohol or other influences. In the interest of the welfare of the rider and the Group, the Ride Committee Chairman or his appointed representative is empowered to ban a member from joining a ride if he feels that member's capacity to ride safely has been impaired.

4. On group rides, bikes must be roadworthy, gassed up and ready to ride. Riders should assemble for a briefing by the Ride Committee Chairman or his representative at least five minutes before take off time at which time ride details will be given including route map, contact numbers, scheduled stops, etc. It is understood the Ride Committee Chairman will provide ample information on the ride at least one week prior to departure. Further, Ride Committee Chairman in consultation with a mechanic will have the final say on bikes joining rides if roadworthiness is in question.

5. On group rides, members should maintain position and avoid overtaking other bikes whenever possible. If necessary to overtake another bike, the passing bike must get acknowledgment from the bike being passed.

6. Riders should not overtake the lead bike. If the lead bike is accidentally passed in traffic, the erring bike should slow down and allow the lead bike to pass and then safely rejoin the pack.

7. Members should be familiar with MDMC riding formations and hand signals. The Ride Committee will issue an appropriate leaflet containing this information.

8. Recognizing different levels of riding ability and capacity of bikes, members should ride within their comfort zone. Lead bike and sweeper will endeavor to set a pace appropriate to traffic and road conditions.

9. Group riding is to be enjoyed by all and is not a race. Members should stay together as a group to improve visibility, safety and enjoyment. Members should adopt the "buddy" system by keeping a close watch on bike directly in front and the bike directly in back, watching for mechanical problems, rider fatigue, etc.

10. Left and right rear view mirrors are mandatory to insure safety, particularly in group riding situations. A biker cannot join a ride with at least one rear view mirror and will have 30 days from the infraction to install a second mirror.

11. In event of an accident, riders should stop as quickly and safely as possible and await instructions from the Ride Committee Chairman or his delegate. All situations differ so common sense should be used by the first members at the scene; i.e., direct traffic, assist the fallen rider, clear the fallen bike, etc.

12. Guest riders are welcome but should be briefed by the Ride Committee Chairman and introduced to the President, sweeper and Sgts.-at-Arms. They should be positioned at the back of the pack.

13. Philippine Law requires helmets and the Club encourages members to wear them, but it is up to each member to choose to wear or not to wear a helmet. However, helmets are required on the expressway in recognition of our efforts to obtain the right for motorcyclists to use expressways.